Preventing Data Loss on NAS Thecus N4310 and Recovering Deleted Files: Detailed Techniques

Has your NAS Thecus N4310 suddenly lost its network drive and you’re unsure what to do next? Did the RAID array collapse, making your files inaccessible? Is the device throwing errors during startup? Perhaps you accidentally rebuilt the RAID array or several hard drives failed at the same time?

Preventing Data Loss on NAS Thecus N4310 and Recovering Deleted Files: Detailed Techniques

Thecus N4310 NAS Data Recovery in 2025

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from an N4310. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Preventing Data Loss on NAS Thecus N4310 and Recovering Deleted Files: Detailed Techniques

RAID Recovery™ 2.8
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID

Conventional hard drives store user data by writing it sequentially across the disk surface, which means an entire file is typically located on a single drive. In contrast, when data is written to a RAID array, each file is split into multiple fragments. These fragments are then distributed and written in sequence across all the drives in the array. Depending on the configuration, fragment sizes can range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so every file is physically stored across several disks at once.

This approach significantly increases read and write performance — after all, writing two halves of a 1 GB file to two drives simultaneously is much faster than writing the full 1 GB to a single disk. However, this same mechanism makes file recovery far more complex.

Different RAID levels use different methods to distribute and protect data. On top of that, manufacturers like Thecus often add their own proprietary structures and variations. As a result, data can be written to disks in many different formats, and each requires a specific approach during recovery.

Can data be lost during the process of upgrading or updating the NAS Thecus N4310 device's firmware?

Yes, there is a risk of data loss during the process of upgrading or updating the firmware of Thecus N4310 NAS device. It is always recommended to backup all important data before performing any firmware updates or upgrades. While the manufacturers take precautions to minimize the risk, unforeseen issues or errors during the update process can potentially result in data loss. Therefore, it is crucial to have a backup to ensure the safety of your data.

How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS N4310 can be accessed over the network, you still need to remove its hard disks and connect them directly to a Windows PC. Only then can the recovery software properly scan and analyze the drives. Follow these steps:

  1. Power off the NAS and disconnect it from the power source.

    WARNING! Before removing any drives, carefully read the device manual. Improper actions may damage both the NAS enclosure and the hard disks in the RAID array.

  2. Remove the hard disks one by one, gently sliding each drive out of its slot. Remember that hard disks are highly sensitive: any impact or drop can cause serious physical damage.

  3. Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.

  4. Connect the drives to your computer. In this video, we explain which ports you can use to connect hard disks and what to do if your PC does not have enough free connectors.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Thecus N4310. Each hard disk in the array contains technical metadata describing how files were written. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery analyzes this metadata, automatically reconstructs the damaged array, and provides access to its contents. After that, you can browse the recovered disk and save your files. The program can also restore files that were accidentally deleted from the network drive.

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How to recover data from a Thecus

How to recover data from a Thecus

N4310 has 4 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 6;
  • RAID 10;
  • JBOD;

NAS supports:

  • EXT3;
  • EXT4;
  • XFS;

How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images

This utility allows you to create a complete copy of a disk and work with the disk image instead of the physical drive. This approach helps protect your data from:

  • Overwriting during the recovery process;
  • Additional data loss caused by bad sectors;
  • User errors.

To create a disk image, follow these steps:

  1. Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.

  2. In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.

  3. When the Image Creation Wizard opens, select whether you want to save the entire disk or only a specific region. Adjust the settings and click Next.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  4. Choose the directory where the image will be saved. You may select any available disk connected to your PC or upload the image via FTP.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Choose a disk or save the image via FTP

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Thecus N4310 network-attached storage keeps OS Linux operating system files on a separate RAID 1 (mirrored) array. Usually, all NAS systems create several volumes on every hard disk, and the first of them takes up to 2 Gb of space. This is where operating system files are stored. Other volumes are united into a RAID array where user’s data is written.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

Product Operating system RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows, Linux, MacOS Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 10 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes

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Comments (3)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #
    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS N4310, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Carlisle Hutchinson
    Carlisle Hutchinson 13.09.2023 08:45 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS Thecus N4310 device that has undergone a system update or software upgrade?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 13.09.2023 10:00 #

      Yes, it is usually possible to recover data from a NAS device like Thecus N4310 even after a system update or software upgrade. However, it depends on the specific circumstances and the extent of the changes made during the update.

      If the update process was smooth and did not result in any data loss or corruption, you should be able to access your data as before. In such cases, the update typically only affects the operating system and software components, leaving the user data intact.

      However, if there was a problem during the update process, such as power failure, interruption, or other issues, it could potentially lead to data loss or corruption. In such cases, data recovery may be required.

      To recover data from a NAS device after an update, you can try the following steps:

      1. Check the NAS device: Ensure that the NAS device is functioning properly and can be accessed. Make sure all connections are secure and there are no hardware issues.
      2. Consult the manufacturer's support: Thecus provides support for their devices, so you can contact their technical support team for guidance on recovering data after an update. They may provide specific instructions or tools to assist in the recovery process.
      3. Use data recovery software: If the NAS device is not accessible or the data is corrupted, you can try using data recovery software specifically designed for NAS devices. These tools can scan the NAS device and attempt to recover lost or inaccessible data. Some popular options include R-Studio, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, or GetDataBack.
      4. Professional data recovery services: If the above methods fail to recover your data, you can consider seeking professional data recovery services. These services specialize in recovering data from various storage devices, including NAS devices. They have advanced tools and techniques to handle complex data recovery scenarios.

      Remember to always have a backup of your important data to avoid data loss in case of any unexpected events or issues during updates or upgrades.

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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are the key features and capabilities of the NAS Thecus N4310 that make it suitable for use as a database server?

    The Thecus N4310 is a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device that offers several key features and capabilities that make it suitable for use as a database server:

    1. High Storage Capacity: The N4310 comes with four drive bays, allowing for the installation of up to four hard drives. This provides ample storage capacity for storing large databases and data files.
    2. RAID Support: The NAS supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and JBOD. RAID offers data redundancy and improved performance, ensuring data integrity and availability in case of drive failures.
    3. Fast Data Transfer Speeds: The N4310 is equipped with a Gigabit Ethernet port, enabling fast data transfer speeds between the NAS and connected devices. This is crucial for handling database transactions and queries efficiently.
    4. Powerful Hardware: The NAS is powered by a dual-core Marvell Armada 388 1.8GHz processor and 1GB of DDR3 RAM. This hardware configuration provides sufficient processing power to handle database operations smoothly.
    5. Multiple Database Support: The N4310 supports various database management systems (DBMS) such as MySQL, MariaDB, and PostgreSQL. This allows users to choose the most suitable DBMS for their specific database requirements.
    6. Remote Access and Sharing: The NAS offers remote access capabilities, allowing users to access and manage the database server remotely. It also provides file sharing features, enabling multiple users to collaborate and access the database simultaneously.
    7. Data Protection and Backup: Thecus provides comprehensive data protection features, including AES 256-bit encryption, antivirus support, and scheduled backups. These features ensure the security and integrity of the database, protecting it from unauthorized access and data loss.
    8. Expandability: The N4310 supports the installation of additional applications and modules, expanding its functionality beyond just a database server. This flexibility allows users to customize the NAS to meet their specific requirements.

    Overall, the key features and capabilities of the Thecus N4310, such as high storage capacity, RAID support, fast data transfer speeds, powerful hardware, multiple database support, remote access, and data protection, make it a suitable choice for use as a reliable and efficient database server.

  • How does the NAS Thecus N4310 ensure data integrity and security when used as a database server?

    The NAS Thecus N4310 ensures data integrity and security when used as a database server through various mechanisms:

    1. RAID Support: The N4310 supports RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and JBOD), which provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures. This ensures that even if a drive fails, the data remains intact and accessible.
    2. Data Scrubbing: The NAS performs regular data scrubbing, which detects and corrects errors in stored data. It verifies the integrity of data blocks and repairs any inconsistencies, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the stored database.
    3. Data Encryption: The N4310 supports AES 256-bit encryption, which allows data to be encrypted at rest. This ensures that even if the physical drives are compromised, the data remains encrypted and protected from unauthorized access.
    4. Access Control: The NAS provides comprehensive access control mechanisms, allowing administrators to define user permissions and access rights to the database. This ensures that only authorized users can access and modify the data, reducing the risk of unauthorized modifications or data breaches.
    5. Network Security: The N4310 supports various network security protocols, including SSL/TLS encryption, IP blocking, and firewall settings. These measures protect the NAS from network-based attacks and unauthorized access attempts.
    6. Backup and Snapshot Features: The N4310 offers backup and snapshot features that allow users to create regular backups of the database. These backups can be stored on external drives or remote locations, providing an additional layer of data protection and ensuring data availability in case of data corruption or accidental deletion.
    7. Antivirus Integration: The NAS can be integrated with antivirus software, allowing regular scanning of the stored data for malware and viruses. This helps to prevent data corruption or loss due to malicious software.

    Overall, the NAS Thecus N4310 incorporates various features and mechanisms to ensure data integrity and security when used as a database server, protecting the data from hardware failures, unauthorized access, data corruption, and other potential threats.

  • Can the NAS Thecus N4310 handle the performance requirements of a database server, such as handling multiple concurrent connections and processing large amounts of data?

    The Thecus N4310 is a network-attached storage (NAS) device designed for file storage and sharing purposes. While it can handle basic file serving tasks, it may not be suitable for running a database server with high performance requirements.

    The N4310 is equipped with a relatively low-powered processor (Marvell Armada 1.2GHz) and limited RAM (1GB DDR3). These specifications may not provide sufficient processing power and memory for handling multiple concurrent connections and processing large amounts of data typically associated with a database server.

    For optimal performance and reliability, it is recommended to use dedicated server hardware or more powerful NAS devices specifically designed for database server applications.